Chap 21
Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha. I don't make any money from this.
Title: "Ever Us – A Slice of Life" Chap 21 The Magic Mirror Story
Author: Gayle Nightingale
Prompt: Bed time story time
Word Count:3053
Rated: T
Genre: Family/Adventure
Pairing: Sesshomaru/Inuyasha
Remarks: AU. From the "Ever Us" universe. Inucest. Yaoi. Inuyasha received a wonderful new book, "Stories for children from around the world"
The Magic Mirror Story ~ Fairytale Bedtime Stories for Kids from around the world the European folktales section Spanish/Portuguese folktale adapted by Gayle Nightingale. Retrieved from the web 4 Feb 2020
www. worldoftales dot com
Scene: Work/Vacation in Spain at bedtime. Kyo's villa Balearic Islands
Cast: Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Kyo, Suzy, Rin, Sango, Kohaku
Year: Future-Bold case.
Story-normal case
"Sesshomaru, we should have visited our kids' homes before now. Kyo has the best taste! Look at the photos and décor in this room. I'll have to ask him for some ideas for our home."
Inuyasha spun around absorbing the colors and textures that made up the living area. His face reflected his admiration for his son's tastes. The colors blended and made an appealing, relaxing atmosphere. The furniture was simple and elegant. Open on two sides to the kitchen and entrance way, and the veranda on the third, the one decorated wall bore photos. They were collages of family photos taken by Kyo, enlarged and mounted. The photos were intermixed with three dimensional items. The wall was clearly a testimony to familial love and the photographer's feelings.
Inuyasha studied the photos. All of them were professional. There was one photo of Yuki that was simply breathtaking. Inuyasha smiled.
"I just didn't think about traveling, Inuyasha. We had our own practice. We were busy working. As I recall we were both surprised to hear about the demon medical school."
Kohaku started to cry, colic the cause. Sesshomaru added a bounce to his step. The newborn calmed some, intermittent cries echoed, each softer than the one before.
"Remember when the invitation to teach arrived? We thought it was a prank."
Inuyasha nodded as he looked at his mate and infant.
"But we had Kyo check it out when he went to his home in Europe. It was here on this island. It was real. We got an invitation to be guest instructors from the demon medical school for the year—maybe longer if we like it."
Sesshomaru spoke softly as he paced about the living room past the open door that lead to the veranda and back by his mate. He had been making this circuit, lightly bouncing Kohaku and burping him since Inuyasha passed him off twenty minutes previous. Both parents were quite the professionals dealing with colic.
Sesshomaru continued his circuit while Inuyasha resumed studying the photos.
Dinner was long over and the evening lights were pouring in through the open doors that lead to the veranda. The large infinite pool and moon beds glistened in the full moon light.
Sesshomaru continued. "I didn't think there were enough demons to have a medical school. But I'm delighted we can be here as guest instructors. We'll have to get our own villa. We don't want to put out our son."
Sesshomaru continued his pacing circuit, gently bouncing his son and lingering by the open doors to gaze at the moon.
"Sesshomaru, Kyo wants us to live here. He told me he was a bit lonely now that he and Yuki are on different schedules. I'd like to feel it out. We can always look for something later."
Inuyasha peeked at Kohaku who was watching everything wide eyed. He was finally silent but still very awake.
"Very well, I'll talk with him when he gets back from his errand. We should have warned him that the girls go through a lot of toiletries. Poor boy, home invaded by his parents, a newborn with colic, a toddler and two preteen girls! Toilet seats down from now on, son." Sesshomaru chuckled deep and low as he was amused by his observations.
Kohaku looked at his father, his ears twitching every direction as he drank in the sounds of his father and the environment.
Inuyasha marveled as he leaned on the door frame looking at the night sky.
"This place is amazing. Outdoor covered cooking area, infinity pool, moon beds, an olive tree orchard, beaches nearby, plenty of open space, the Mediterranean Sea, perfect weather, only a few people, and privacy-it's just-Wow!"
"Shhh-I finally got Kohaku to fall asleep." Sesshomaru smiled at the babe.
"My precious boy," Inuyasha cooed. "Fear not. Colic doesn't last forever. We're going to protect you and make you strong and happy." He gazed lovingly at the sleeping face of his newborn, cradled in his husband's arms.
The babe sighed finally asleep.
Whispering Sesshomaru responded, "If we put the other kids to bed perhaps we can enjoy the veranda together in a more intimate way…"The whispering voice took on a huskier sound.
The inuhanyou's skin tingled at the intonation and innuendo.
"Follow me!" He walked through the villa in search of Suzy, Rin, and Sango. He didn't have to go far when he found the preteens and their little sister studying his new fairytale book. Ryuu had found it while he was on a search for a griffin in England. The book was written in English. The illustrations were meticulously detailed, photorealistic even. Suzy was trying to read it to Rin and Sango, but English was her fourth language and she was struggling. Three silver haired beauties looked up to see their parents walk in the room.
"Dada, Wead me, peaz?" Sango smiled as she opened her eyes wide and tilted her head to the side. Her soft triangles had turned to focus only on her daddy.
Inuyasha smiled. He turned and gave Sesshomaru a quick peck and then knelt near his girls.
"Alright Sweetheart. Precious Lily, which one were you reading?" Inuyasha gazed lovingly at Suzy.
"We're in Spain so I picked this one, Daddy. It says it's a Spanish/Portuguese folktale. Daddy, Ryuu bought this for you to read to us, right?"
Suzy poked at Rin as she asked. Rin turned to look at their parents.
Inuyasha's brow wrinkled as he scrutinized Suzy and Rin.
"Yes, He did buy it for me. He suspected I would read it to you all. Why do you ask?"
But before he could finish, Suzy poked Rin again and raising her voice pronounced,
"Told you so!"
Rin rolled her eyes. Then she put her hands on her hips.
"Suzy! You are such a know-it-all!"
But before she could continue Suzy bellowed, "I am NOT!"
Rin wasn't fazed. She raised her voice too.
"I wasn't arguing about that! You said he bought it for Daddy to read to YOU!"
Suzy flushed but before the argument could get out of hand Sesshomaru made a deep guttural sound. All three girls stared wide eyed at their Father. Quietly Sesshomaru spoke.
"Your brother is asleep. I have half a mind to not let your Dad read to any of you. Am I understood?!"
Sesshomaru's tone was serious and dangerous.
Tears welled up in Sango's eyes. She had never heard that tone in her short life and it was scary.
Inuyasha reached for her and pulled her tight to her chest, a reassuring hug given. A quick glance to his husband to check his wishes and then he turned to Rin and Suzy.
Neither Sesshomaru nor Inuyasha were pleased with this turn of events. Suzy and Rin were best of friends. To see them fight over anything struck a note deep in their souls. Sesshomaru and he had come so far. They had done everything possible to teach their children to get along and not be like they were in their younger days. They wanted to ensure that animosity and hatred didn't happen to their progeny. Inuyasha had to nip this in the bud.
"Make-up this moment or I will take the book and Sango and you will go to bed without a story."
The tearful girls responded immediately. Hugging each other they spoke simultaneously
"I'm sorry Rin. I love you."
"I'm sorry Suzy. I love you."
The girls hugged each other and turned to face their Dad.
"We're sorry Daddy. We're sorry Father."
Sesshomaru stared down his nose at the duo and then turned to Inuyasha.
"Your choice, my dear."
Inuyasha studied the story Suzy had pointed out.
"Actually Sesshomaru, the story she picked has a good lesson."
"Very well then, Girls, go brush your teeth and get ready for bed."
Suzy and Rin dashed to the bathroom, soundlessly, eyes down all the way.
Inuyasha stood pulling Sango up with him.
"I'll help Sango." Then turning to the small pup he gently rubbed her crown between her ears. Sango looked up, pure admiration in her eyes.
"Dada? Wead me? Peaz?"
"Yes Sweetheart but let's brush your teeth first. What pajamas do you want?"
"Flying kitty!" Sango cheered excitedly.
Soon the three girls were prepared and dressed appropriately for bedtime. All three were tucked into the king size bed and the shear mesh canopy was partially lowered. Inuyasha had told them it was bed for princesses. Sesshomaru rocked comfortably with Kohaku sleeping on his lap. Inuyasha stood at the foot of the bed. All eyes were on him. His audience was ready.
Or so he thought.
A noise and a call brought Kyo into the bedroom. Rushing and panting from being out of breath Kyo babbled.
"I haven't missed it yet, have I? Ryuu said the new book was going to be great and we'd all love it. I want to hear too, Dad."
Kyo was carrying a mega pack of toilet paper as he rushed into the bedroom. He dropped the bundle and leaned over to catch his breath.
"Have a seat, son. We were just getting ready to start."
Kyo sat on the mega pack and focused his attention on his Dad.
Sesshomaru noticed Rin start to speak. He moved his head from left to right several times as he pointed at Rin and then brought his finger back to his lips. Rin was going to say "I told you so," but upon seeing her Father's motion she shut her mouth and looked to her Daddy.
"Once upon a time….
It was told throughout the kingdom of Takahashi that Prince Inuyasha was ready to marry. He would marry the most worthy denizen of the land. First, the news was told to the court swordsmith Totosai, then it was told to the night watchmen, and then to all the old women who sold fruit and cloth at the market.
The court swordsmith Totosai told all his customers, who again told all their friends. The night watchmen shouted the news in such a loud voice, that all the young residents were woken up, thinking of the exciting news. In the day, the old women merchants constantly reminded the young citizens that Prince Inuyasha had decided to marry.
Everyone asked, "How will Prince Inuyasha choose a mate?" Totosai replied, "To find a worthy mate, I am afraid I will have great trouble."
"What, YOU?" they questioned. "What have YOU got to do with helping Prince Inuyasha find a mate?"
"I am Prince Inuyasha's closest advisor," he said. "And I have a magic mirror. If any citizen who is not pure of heart looks into my mirror, spots of their dishonest character will show in their reflection."
"Is looking into your mirror one of the conditions to marry Prince Inuyasha?" asked all.
"That is the only condition," replied Totosai, scratching his bald head.
"Is there a limit as to age?" they asked.
"Any citizen from 18 years upwards is eligible," said Totosai.
"Then you will have every inhabitant in Takahashi jumping at the chance to be royal consort!" the women shouted.
"This is true, but each citizen will have to gaze into the mirror with me by their side," he said.
The one condition for those who wanted to become Royal consort of Prince Inuyasha was shared throughout the land. Many laughed, but not one came forward to Totosai to have a look into the mirror.
Days and weeks went by. Prince Inuyasha was no closer to getting a mate. Some would try to convince their friends to go before the mirror, but none were brave enough to try.
Prince Inuyasha, you should know, was a very handsome man, and was well loved by all his subjects for his many virtues. Therefore it was very surprising that none of the lovely beings in the kingdom would at least try to become his mate.
Many excuses and explanations were given. Some were already engaged to be married. Others said they were too proud to enter Tōtōsai's shop. Still others told their friends that they had decided it would be better to stay single.
Every morning Prince Inuyasha would ask Totosai if anyone had come forward to look into the mirror, but the answer was always the same - that many watched Totosai's shop to see if others went inside, but none had been brave enough to come in themselves.
"Ah, My Beloved Takahashi!" said Prince Inuyasha. "Is there no one in this land who wants to be my mate? In other lands, kings have no trouble in finding a worthy companion to marry. Why is this happening to me?
"Totosai!" shouted Prince Inuyasha, "you shall get me a mate as bright as the day, as pure as dew, and as good as gold - one who will not be afraid to look into your magic mirror!"
"Your Majesty," replied Totosai, "There is one chance. There is a lonely shepherd who lives by himself far away on the mountainside. He may be brave enough to look in the magic mirror, but would you marry a man of such low birth?"
"Bid him to come," answered Prince Inuyasha. "Before my assembled court, let the shepherd look into the mirror after you have told him what may happen if he dares to look."
Soon Totosai had brought the young one to court. The whole kingdom filled the royal hall to see the man who was so brave and proud as to look into the magic mirror.
When the man entered the royal hall, he felt very shy from being surrounded by so many beautiful men and women. Prince Inuyasha was very pleased with his appearance, and received him kindly. The shepherd was equally pleased with his prince. In fact it was love at first sight. Prince Inuyasha reminded the shepherd that if he wanted to be his mate, he would have to gaze into the magic mirror. If he had done anything dishonest which would show a lack of virtue, the mirror would show as many dark spots on its surface as there might be in his past.
"Sire," replied the young man, "everyone makes mistakes, and I am no different. I've made mistakes with my flock. But they must forgive me because every day they let me take care of them all over again. If they think danger is coming, they come to me to protect them. I love my sheep and do my best for them. With all due respect, Sire, I never thought about becoming a royal consort. I always thought if I mated it would be because I was in love. But I am not afraid to look into that magic mirror."
Saying this, he walked up to the mirror and gazed into it, blushing slightly at the sight of his own reflection.
The court beings surrounded him. When they saw that the magic mirror showed no stains on its surface, they snatched it from him, passing the mirror back and forth from one noble to another. They shouted, "Look! There is no magic in this mirror - a trick has been played on us!"
But Prince Inuyasha said, "No nobles, you have only yourselves to thank. If you had been as confident in yourself as this young man, you too would not have been afraid to look into the mirror."
Prince Inuyasha turned to the shepherd. He gently reached for his hand.
"My dear shepherd, May I have your name?"
"Sesshomaru, My Prince. My name is Sesshomaru."
"Give this Prince the chance to win your heart," the prince bestowed a kiss on the proffered hand.
"My heart is yours," Sesshomaru responded and pulled himself into the Prince's arms. The two walked off into the private gardens to further discuss their future.
Inuyasha shut the book. First he exchanged blown kisses with his husband then he looked at their children. Kohaku and Sango were sound asleep. Kyo sat on his seat, smiling happily. Rin and Suzy were still awake. Shortly Rin spoke.
"Thank you Daddy." Then turning to Suzy she hugged her and muttered, "I love you Sister."
Suzy hugged Rin back.
"I really am sorry Rin. I just wanted to think Ryuu bought it for me. I miss him."
Kyo perked up.
"Ryuu drops by every so often, you guys. He told me he was going to try and catch a hydra in Greece sometime this year. But maybe we can hang out? I would love to get to hang out with you guys. We can teach Sango how to swim and stuff."
Suzy and Rin's eyes sparkled.
"Really?" the tone expectant and joyful.
"Really, truly," Kyo replied. "I bought this place with you guys in mind." Turning to their Father Kyo pleaded. "Father, please stay here."
Inuyasha smiled at his husband flashing his agreement.
Sesshomaru nodded.
"So be it."
The girls squealed in joy.
Kohaku awoke and started crying.
Sango slept soundly.
Inuyasha looked at Kyo's surprised face. "Hope you're ready for it. You may be sorry."
However, Kyo didn't hear him. He was already planning all the things he wanted to do with his younger siblings. He didn't have to be alone. His family was going to be with him.
